Downe House Sauveterre
A Séjour in France Summer Term 2025
Information for Mowden Hall Parents
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Index
Introduction
The Sauveterre Houseteam
Frequently Asked Questions: A-Z
Contact details
Mowden Hall Parents’ Q&A Event Your questions answered
An event for all parents of children going to Downe House Sauveterre in the Summer term 2025.
Friday 24th January at 1pm at Mowden Hall
Hosted by the Head of Mowden Hall, Mr Phil Sturt and the Head of Downe House Sauveterre, Mrs Lauren Ponchant.
Since 1996, Mowden has had the good fortune to be able to make use of the Château de Sauveterre, near Toulouse, in South West France. Their time at Sauveterre is generally regarded to be one of the high points of a Mowden pupil’s prep school life, giving them the self-assurance to approach the final year of prep school with a maximum of confidence. In recent years, ownership of Sauveterre has transferred to Downe House. Emma Mckendrick is Headmistress of Downe House, and is also Chair of the Prep Schools Trust.
Downe House Statement of Boarding Aims and Practice
Downe House, established in 1907, is a full boarding School, which aims to provide an excellent holistic education for boarders and day pupils within a relaxed but structured House framework. The School aims to enable girls to develop academically, socially, spiritually and emotionally in a homely and friendly environment, where mutual trust and respect between pupils and staff are the fundamental guiding principles on which the community was established over one hundred years ago and on which it continues to flourish. Our partnership with our parents is also a vital strand to ensuring our pupils are well supported and this commitment can be seen through our comprehensive ‘Parenting and Educating in Partnership’ Programme.
Emma McKendrick
Welcome to the home of
An unforgettable experience in France
The opportunity to go to our Château in Sauveterre, experience another culture and so gain a broader understanding of the world in which we live and work is not only highly valued at Downe House but, as Chair of the Prep School Trust, I am delighted that pupils from Mowden Hall, Cothill House and Kitebrook are also able to take advantage of this unique experience. Our aim is for pupils to experience another culture first-hand, stretch themselves academically and build strong relationships. We want them to achieve beyond their own expectations as well as make an excellent contribution to the wider School life at the Château.
The most impressive aspect of the programme at Sauveterre is that it is always evolving and never stands still. Over recent months, this has been particularly evident as the team has sought out new challenges and opportunities for the pupils post pandemic and we can therefore genuinely say that every visit will be unique!
Downe House Sauveterre is dynamic, exciting and inspiring. Its ethos is firmly rooted in the values of Downe House, which are mirrored by those of the Prep School Trust and centre on kindness, trust and respect for all. There is something for everyone; it is an unforgettable experience.
- Mrs Emma McKendrick, Headmistress of Downe House
A unique opportunity for Mowdenians
Spending an extended period of time away from home, with your peers, in an incredible setting is a unique experience that Old Mowdenians cite as one of their lasting memories of their time at Mowden. The chance to spend time in the south of France, learning, playing and discovering with familiar peers is a truly amazing highlight of a child’s time with us. We continue to attend Sauveterre in partnership with Kitebrook School, another member of the Prep Schools Trust, and I am genuinely excited for our children. I have no doubt that the children will take with them that Mowdenian spirit of embracing opportunities and approaching challenges with a can-do attitude. I cannot wait to see just what they achieve in their time at the Chateau and to hear their stories upon their return.
- Mr Phil Sturt, Head of Mowden Hall
Phil Sturt
of Downe House in France
Introducing Downe House Sauveterre
This is a unique opportunity to experience life immersed in the French culture and language at the 18th Century Château de Sauveterre with children from their school and a dedicated team of staff – there’s no better way to develop independence, confidence and lifelong memories. This is a great adventure, which becomes a highlight of their early educational journey. The Château is not only a beautiful building set on an extensive site, with its own outdoor sports facilities, but it also has the benefit of being within forty-five minutes of Toulouse airport and the city itself, and one and a half hours away from the Pyrenees.
A séjour in France provides each pupil with the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture. Teaching and learning are of the utmost importance, and children inevitably make enormous progress in French. They can also expect to be challenged intellectually and personally daily, becoming more independent and confident. The curriculum at Downe House Sauveterre is enriched by the fabulous learning opportunities on its doorstep, set in an area of France renowned for its art, history and geography. Tennis and photography feature in the curriculum, together with dedicated French Culture lessons, Sport and sessions, and Art. All lessons, except English and Mathematics, are delivered in French as far as is practical. By the end of their stay, it is remarkable how much progress the children will have made.
Classroom-based learning is supported by an extensive and stimulating programme of sorties to nearby villages, markets, local landmarks, and historical and cultural places of interest. Children get involved with community-based projects at local schools and charities, which facilitate authentic interactions with young people of a similar age and the local population. Further key objectives of the time spent in France are for the children to develop their level of selfconfidence and also for them to learn to live in a community, having greater understanding of the needs of the people around them. At the end of every stay, we carefully evaluate our practices, their experiences and the academic and social outcomes to ensure that our practices are of the highest possible standard.
- Mrs Lauren Ponchant, Directrice of Downe House Sauveterre
Lauren Ponchant
The team at Downe House Sauveterre
Mrs Lauren Ponchant Head / Directrice of Sauveterre
My love for all things French was first ignited by my very exuberant and equally passionate Senior School French teacher. I soon realised that teaching was the career for me and since then, it has been my aim to pass on the joy of language learning to all my pupils.
I have been privileged to work in both boarding and day schools in my career and to hold a variety of positions from classroom teacher to Head of Languages, Assistant Head and latterly Deputy Head. I am absolutely delighted to be Head of Downe House Sauveterre and together with an experienced and well-established team, I look forward to nurturing your child’s cultural curiosity, French linguistic ability, and wellbeing while they are in our care in France.
Sauveterre was really fun. All the amazing activities, food and the swimming pool made it a lovely place to learn
Sauveterre
Mr Neil Dix-Pincott
Head of Boarding and Pastoral Care
I am thrilled to be the Head of Boarding & Pastoral Care. I have an in-depth knowledge of the local culture, history, and geography as the Château is in a part of the world I fell in love with as an undergraduate at the Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour. My wife Brigid and I moved vto the area after a long spell as a languages teacher and Housemaster at a boarding school in Cambridge. Although I have a deep-seated passion for the French language and culture, and enjoy teaching it to all ages, I have always found my roles in pastoral care to be hugely rewarding. I look forward to ensuring the children will receive first-class pastoral care during their stay in France, so that they can make the most of this unique opportunity in a warm and nurturing environment.
Our team of experienced educational and pastoral professionals
Throughout their time at Sauveterre the children will be taught, cared for and supported by a team of outstanding Housestaff who will help them make the most of their time in France. We are fortunate to have such a great depth of experience in education and pastoral care within the team, gained in the UK and in France. They are already working hard to ensure everything is in place so that the children’s sojourn in France is educationally and personally rewarding, memorable and most importantly, full of excitement!
The Downe House Sauveterre Houseteam includes:
Mr Edward Stacchini - Head of Excursions and Enrichment
Mrs Annabel Westacott - School Secretary 4 Assistants d’éducation
A team of housekeeping, estates and catering staff
- Elizabeth
The opportunities to speak French really improved my vocabulary
- Thomas “ “
A-Z of frequently asked questions
Academic Progress and Reporting
Pupils are regularly assessed throughout their stay and a full written report is published at the end of the visit. You will be notified by email when this document is available and how it can be accessed.
Academic Tutoring will continue as normal and be delivered by the Head and Deputy.
Birthdays
What happens when my child’s birthday falls during their term in France?
We love birthdays at Sauveterre! Please feel free to telephone your child on the special day. Presents and cards are opened in the morning or evening during a small celebration. If you mark birthday post as such on the envelope, we will save it for the special day. Please contact Mrs Annabel Westacott (Westacotta@downehousesauveterre.com) to discuss arrangements for your child’s birthday including, if you wish, a celebration cake. Mowden Hall will inform parents how many pupils will celebrate birthdays in Sauveterre. Accordingly, we will ask the children to bring small gifts (no more then £5) to gift on their special day.
Communication
How can
I contact my
child?
Email is a very efficient means of staying in touch, and your child can be contacted using their usual Mowden address. Time will also be allocated for them to arrange Google Meet. Any child who does not have a Chromebook will be loaned one by the school, subject to availability.
Staying in touch
Sharing their experiences with parents is an important part of life at Sauveterre and we will invite you to join and regularly visit the parents’ Facebook Group to keep up to date with events in France. We publish a weekly digital newsletter, the content of which is written by the children and staff, who are always keen to share news of their latest adventures and progress.
A-Z of frequently asked questions
Anxious phone calls and emails
Do encourage your child to come to us first with a worry, we are best placed to support the children in the first instance. The children bond better if they support each other and we encourage them to discuss solutions rather than expect parents to intervene on their behalf. We are here to support parents and pupils and we never mind a phone call, no matter how silly you might think it is!
Urgent messages for my child
If you are unable to reach your child by email or phone, or in the event of an emergency, please contact the school office Tel: 0033 5 62 62 54 73. This number can also be used outside of office hours as it will be forwarded to either Mme Ponchant or Mr Dix-Pincott
Curriculum
At Sauveterre, our curriculum is skills based. Children will develop the same competencies that they would in the UK, but will do so largely through the medium of French. The content also has a French twist and we use our park and environment to deliver outdoor learning wherever possible. Our curriculum is underpinned by subject related ‘sorties’ and visiting experts. We also welcome on site workshops to further develop the childrens’ subject knowledge and exposure to authentic language opportunities.
Tennis and French Culture feature in the curriculum alongside traditional subjects of Maths, History, Geography, French language and more. Our experienced team of teachers liaise closely with colleagues at our visiting schools to ensure the smoothest possible educational transition for the children. Mowden will ensure that the staff at Sauveterre are provided with comprehensive academic profiles of the children, and will remain in very close contact throughout the trip.
questions
Introducing our Teachers
Mme Lara Sarcevic
Teacher of Maths, Science and Learning for Life
Lara is French, and has a PhD in Philosophy and a Masters in Political Sciences, and has been teaching for fifteen years, mostly in Paris. At Downe House Sauveterre, she teaches in French and English, providing a solid immersive experience in learning French while enriching the general culture of the pupils. She is passionate about nature, culture and everything that is science and arts. related.
Mme Céline Szymkowiak
Teacher of Geography, Science and French
Celine is French and lives in the Gers French region. She has taught Geography for many years at the Château. In her Geography lessons, the children will learn about the local area and its culture. She is passionate about the region and enjoys sharing this with her pupils.
Electrical equipment
Mme Natalie Rodrigues Teacher of Art
Natalia is a talented artist and Art teacher who has taught at the Château for more than 15 years. Natalia is trilingual (French, English and Portuguese) and is passionate about environmental issues and wellbeing.
Mme Victoria Digon
Teacher of French phonetics and pronunciation
Victoria grew up in Spain with her English family. For the last 20 years she has lived in the Gers with her French husband and their children. Victoria is trilingual and teaches French phonetics and pronunciation through the medium of poetry and singing. A highlight of the term is when Victoria takes her Downe House Sauveterre choir to regional events to sing to the public with the help of local French children.
What electrical items may my child bring to Sauveterre?
Your child will need to bring their Chromebook for lessons, along with their chargers. Children may also bring devices such as an iPod, Kindle, e-reader and camera if they wish. These devices should not be internet enabled. Only cameras should be used to take photographs. These should all conform to the British Safety Standards and be named, including the chargers. It is not advisable for these to be expensive models. No extension leads are permitted in the interests of safety.
A-Z of frequently asked questions
Phones are not permitted during their time at Downe House Sauveterre, to enhance the interactions between the children and enable them to take full advantage of all the opportunities available to them during their time.
Children will also need suitable travel adaptors for any electrical equipment. These should convert the existing appliance plug to the standard European round two pin mains plug, for example a UK to EU travel adaptor. For convenience and in case of loss, it would be advisable to bring more than one travel adaptor, and clearly named.
Exeats
Are there any exeats during the visit to France?
The exeat weekend is 2nd-5th May from Friday midday until Monday at 18h00. If you wish to drop your child after 18h00, please ensure they have had an evening meal and they are back by 19h00. However, if parents are unable to take their children out on this weekend, rest assured a full programme of activities will continue at the Château. We ask parents not to visit during the first and the last weekends of the children’s trip (25th-28th April and 16th-19th May). Parents will need to take their children off site if they do decide to visit. Please let us know your exeat plans at least 2 weeks in advance as this allows us to plan effectively for weekend trips. Please email Mrs Westacott with your exeat plans (Westacotta@downehousesauveterre.com)
Please click here to access the Guide for Visiting Parents.
* Please note if we do not receive 2 weeks’ notice you may be charged for the excursion.
Health and Wellbeing
What happens if my child needs health care?
Your child will remain registered with the GP and other medical services at home but we work with a local GP who comes to the Château if required or we will take children to his practice in Lombez, our closest village. You will be kept up to date with any medical concerns and if further treatment is required. Nurse Laura will be available to the team in Sauveterre to talk through any concerns and to provide advice as needed. If your child is on regular medication, this should be taken to France, and where possible a supply for the amount of time they are there. If you have any concerns about regular medication, please liase with Nurse Laura in advance of the trip (ldanby@mowdenhallpst.org)
questions
I loved spending time outside; the weather was beautiful. - Oscar “ “
What should I do if my child is on regular medication?
There will be a full medical handover from the staff at Mowden Hall to the team at Sauveterre so that they are fully aware if your child is on regular medication and so they can ensure it is administered correctly.
Will my child be encouraged to eat a healthy, balanced diet?
There is a wide variety of freshly cooked food available at breakfast, lunch and supper. All meals are taken in the Dining Room and there is always a staff presence. Refreshments are also provided at break and teatime. All dietary requirements will be catered for.
Note: If your child is allergic to certain foods or has other special dietary requirements, please discuss this with your the staff at Mowden Hall so that they can ensure arrangements can be made. Information about allergies resulting in anaphylaxis will be included in the full medical handover to the team at Sauveterre. Sauveterre aims to be nut free in that nuts are not sourced, brought in, served or added to cooking procedures. However, there are some products used in the cooking process, such as sauces, that state they may contain nuts as a result of the manufacturing process.
Laundry
Children will need to take responsibility for the care of their own clothes: how often things need to be washed, their storage and folding. Laundry is washed regularly. Please do not bring anything which cannot be machine-washed and tumble dried. There are no facilities for children to do their own laundry. Please make sure all items of clothing are clearly named.
Learning Support
Relevant information will be provided to Sauveterre by Miss Milburn. Should you have any specific concerns do please contact Miss Milburn directly (smilburn@mowdenhallpst.org) Individual lessons will be able to continue remotely if required.
A-Z of frequently asked questions
A-Z of frequently asked questions
We took part in lots of different activities. I enjoyed learning about Photography - Olly questions We took part in lots of different activities. I enjoyed learning about Photography - Olly
Money - Spending/Pocket Money
Will my child need to bring any money?
Children should bring 80 Euros for use when needed on trips.
What happens if my child runs out of money?
Never worry, your child will be well looked after. The Head will always help them out in an emergency. Any additional pocket money given to the child by the School will be added to your end of term bill.
Music Tuition
All instrumental and singing lessons will be delivered online during your child’s stay in France. Tuition will continue to be delivered by Mowden Hall specialist music staff, will be timetabled as normal and will run via the Google platform. If you have any queries or concerns, in the first instance please contact Mr Mick Fowlds, Director of Music: mfowlds@mowdenhallpst.org
Personal Items & Packing
What should my child bring to France?
A sensible amount of toiletries (deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, shower cap and shower gel, sun cream, and sanitary products if needed) should be brought. These should be named to avoid confusion in the bathrooms. Smaller sizes can be more easily stored.
Valuables - Children can wear plain stud earrings but it’s not really a good idea to bring jewellery with you because you won’t be able to wear it at School and it’s just one more thing to worry about losing.
Packing limits - It is important to keep within the airline’s baggage weight allowance.
Cabin Baggage - Only small bags that can fit under the seats of the aircraft are allowed. The children will have no access to the overhead luggage in the cabin.
Packing Your child’s Chromebook - We request that this is carefully packed in its protective case and put in your child’s hand luggage. It should be fully powered down.
A-Z of frequently asked questions
Musical Instruments - A musical instrument will be treated as an additional item of baggage, unless it can fit into the suitcase or is small enough to fit in the overhead locker or under the seat in front. Please contact Mr Mick Fowlds, Director of Music: mfowlds@mowdenhallpst.org if you would like further information.
KLM’s Baggage Policy: Economy Class
1 checked baggage item
Size: up to 158 cm (sum of length, height, and width) including handles and wheels
Weight: up to 23 kg
1 item of hand baggage with a maximum size of 40 x 30 x 15 cm.
Post
It’s lovely for the children to receive letters and post from home, which can be posted to the Downe House Sauveterre address (on back page). No tuck please! Please do not send tuck out to France as there are children with very specific dietary requirements and allergies. Please note any import tax charges added to parcels sent from the UK will be added to your end of term bill.
Rewards and Sanctions
Downe House Sauveterre has its own rewards and sanctions system. Rewards are given based on effort, exceptional or improved work. All breaches of discipline are dealt with by the Head or the Deputy Head.
School Code of Conduct
Treat everyone, whether younger or older, with the same kindness and respect with which you yourself would wish to be treated. Any breach of the law of the land is a breach of School rules. No one may put the welfare or safety of another in jeopardy through her/his words or deeds.
Speaking in French
By encouraging the use of French as much as possible in and around the School, we help the
The excursions were great; I particularly enjoyed visiting the Pyrenees - Savansha
pupils to develop the four language skills which are examined at Common Entrance, GCSE and beyond (listening, speaking, reading and writing).
Sorties, House activities and other experiences are recorded in individual journals, an effective and enjoyable way for the children to develop their written French during the term. Frequent interactions with French speakers in School and elsewhere mean that pupils become much more spontaneous and confident in their use of the language. Such impressive outcomes are not easily achieved in the confines of a traditional classroom and help to illustrate the value of this special educational opportunity. On their return to School, the pupils are able to apply these enhanced language skills to help them achieve the highest levels of attainment in future public examinations.
Teaching and Learning
In addition to the ‘sorties’ and outdoor learning opportunities that the Château offers, we are very fortunate to be able to take advantage of technology in our classrooms to support the learning experience for the children.
Travel Arrangements
Do I need to make travel arrangements for my child?
All transport, to and from the UK and transfers in France, will be organised by Mowden Hall. We request that all children are dropped off and collected from Newcastle Airport, unless arranged directly with Mowden Hall.
Uniform and Dress Code
Please can children wear navy blue shorts and a plain polo shirt of any colour as their uniform whilst at Sauveterre. Children should be neat and tidy at all times. Your child will receive a Sauveterre hoodie before they travel to France. In keeping with the School’s guidelines, clothes should not be immodest or cause offence in any manner. Underwear should not be visible. Children will need all items on the packing list. Please do not add unnecessary items of clothing. Storage space is limited, laundry is washed daily, and it is imperative to keep within the airline’s baggage weight allowance. If you have any queries concerning the list, please do not hesitate to contact us.
<<index
Uniform and
A-Z of frequently asked questions
and Dress Code
The excursions were great; I particularly enjoyed visiting the Pyrenenees “ questions
A reminder that pupils should not wear:
• Flip flops
• ‘Short’ shorts or skirts - Midriffs should not be on show
• Low-cut tops or t-shirts with slogans which may offend
• Anything scruffy or with holes or rips
Visa Arrangements
In preparation for your child going to Downe House Sauveterre, we would like to take this opportunity to remind you about visa requirements. If your child has a child student visa you might need an additional visa to enter France. Please use the visa wizard to check whether a visa is necessary for your child, click the link to access the visa wizard via the French Consulate. Following Brexit, any UK passport holder that plans to spend more than 90 days in the Schengen area in any 180 day period, will also require a visa. We urge you to check what travel your child will be doing to this region either side of their trip.
Weekend Activities
Will I be charged for weekend activities?
Details of the weekend activities taking place during your child’s time in France will be communicated to parents in the first week of term but maybe subject to change. Parents will be charged for excursions and coach transfers. All extras will be added to your end of term bill, which you will receive from the Prep Schools Trust. Extras will be no more than £300.
Packing List
1 pair sturdy practical shoes (for wearing around the school)
1 pair lightweight shoes (Crocs) or sliders (for walking between the buildings) NO flip flops or thongs
1 pair practical walking sandals or lightweight shoes
1 pair old trainers (suitable for getting wet or muddy)
PACKING LIST: TOILETRIES
Spongebag with toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel, deodorant, shampoo and sunscreen
Hairbrush, comb & a few hair ties
PACKING LIST: MISCELLANEOUS:
Sunglasses
Book for night-time reading
Re-fillable water bottle
You must bring a
Mosquito repellent
1 duvet cover (single) *no pillowcases or towels
Small torch
Camera (optional)
Pencil case with coloured pencils, felt-tip pens, pencils, sharpener, eraser and ruler
Small rucksack or bag for sorties - only large enough to take an A4 clipboard, a picnic, notebook, purse and water bottle. Please note: due to new aircraft regulations, these will be placed under the seat in front of the passenger. (No luggage at all can go in the overhead lockers in the aircraft.)
A single EU adaptor
Important notes:
• All garments need to be machine-washable and suitable for drying in a tumble-drier.
• Please do not pack items which require hand-washing or dry cleaning.
• All garments must be clearly named, preferably with name tapes.
• There are no facilities for children to do their own laundry.
Contact details
Downe House Sauveterre is in the Southwest of France, approximately 50 kilometres south-west of Toulouse and a 45-minute drive from ToulouseBlagnac Airport.
The Château sits within a stunning nine-acre woodland park with sports pitches, tennis courts, plenty of space for outdoor fun and fine views across to the snow-topped Pyrenees. The Château lies just outside the village of Sauveterre, a hilltop settlement, and is three kilometres from Lombez.
Downe House Sauveterre
Château de Sauveterre
500 Allée du Château
32220 Sauveterre
For all general enquiries please contact:
Mrs Annabel Westacott, School Secretary
Email: Westacotta@downehousesauveterre.com
Tel: 0033 5 62 62 54 73 France
Follow us on Social Media
You will be sent an invitation to a private Facebook group for the duration of your child’s stay at Downe House Sauveterre.
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